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Vietnam is renowned for its strong brews, inventive coffee recipes, and lively café culture that attracts both locals and travelers. From creamy egg coffee to bold coconut coffee, each drink reflects a unique Vietnamese touch. This guide will walk you through the top coffee experiences, all leading to a taste of the best coffee in Vietnam.
The best coffee in Vietnam reflects a deep-rooted cultural tradition and a unique approach to preparation. The following are signature Vietnamese coffee drinks that are both widely loved by locals and highly recommended for visitors.
Egg coffee represents Vietnam's most famous coffee innovation – a creamy, dessert-like drink that transforms humble ingredients into liquid gold. This beloved beverage features strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a fluffy mixture of egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar, creating a texture that's part coffee, part custard, and completely irresistible.
The drink was invented in 1946 during wartime milk shortages when resourceful Hanoi bartender Nguyen Van Giang substituted whisked egg yolk for milk, accidentally creating what would become Vietnam's signature coffee drink. The result is a rich, velvety experience where the bitter coffee perfectly balances the sweet, creamy egg foam. Each sip delivers warmth and comfort that makes egg coffee especially popular during Hanoi's cool winter months. Visitors are expected to pay between VND 40,000 - 50,000 VND (USD 1.53 - USD 1.91) for this unique coffee experience.
Must-visit cafes:
A meticulously balanced blend of rich, velvety egg foam and robust, bold coffee (Source: Internet)
Coconut coffee brings tropical refreshment to Vietnam's coffee scene, combining the country's beloved coffee culture with fresh coconut milk for a naturally sweet and cooling drink. This Southern Vietnamese specialty features rich coffee blended with creamy coconut milk and often served over ice, creating the perfect antidote to Vietnam's humid climate.
The drink showcases the abundance of coconuts in the Mekong Delta region, where innovative cafe owners discovered that coconut milk's natural sweetness and creamy texture create an ideal complement to strong Vietnamese coffee. Unlike Western coconut coffee, which often uses artificial flavoring, Vietnamese coconut coffee uses fresh coconut milk that adds subtle tropical notes without overwhelming the coffee's bold character. Most cafes charge around VND 20,000 - VND 35,000 (USD 0.80 - USD 1.40) for this refreshing treat.
Coconut coffee in Vietnam blends robusta espresso with creamy coconut milk and crushed ice for a smooth, tropical taste (Source: Internet)
Iced milk coffee represents the foundation of Vietnamese coffee culture – a perfectly balanced combination of strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice that creates the country's most popular everyday drink. This refreshing beverage delivers the intense flavor of dark-roasted Robusta beans softened by creamy condensed milk, making it both energizing and cooling in Vietnam's tropical heat.
The drink emerged from French colonial influence combined with local adaptation, as fresh milk was scarce, but canned condensed milk could withstand the hot climate. Vietnamese coffee makers perfected the ratio of bitter coffee to sweet milk, creating a drink that's become as essential to daily life. The slow drip through a traditional phin filter allows the coffee to extract fully while the condensed milk settles at the bottom, creating beautiful layers before stirring.
This beloved drink typically costs just VND 25,000 - VND 35,000 (USD 0.96 - USD 1.34), making it an affordable daily pleasure for locals and a budget-friendly drink option for travelers.
The smooth sweetness of condensed milk balances the strong bitterness of traditional Vietnamese coffee (Source: Internet)
Salt coffee might sound unusual, but this innovative creation from Hue perfectly demonstrates Vietnamese creativity in coffee preparation. A pinch of sea salt on top of creamy milk foam creates an unexpected flavor combination that enhances the coffee's natural sweetness while adding a subtle savory note that makes each sip more complex and interesting. You can enjoy this innovative drink for approximately VND 20,000 - VND 30,000 (USD 0.80 - USD 1.20).
The drink was invented in Hue, the former imperial capital, where local cafe owners experimented with adding salt to coffee foam to create a unique signature drink. The salt doesn't make the coffee taste salty – instead, it acts like salt on caramel, intensifying the sweetness and creating a more rounded flavor profile. The contrast between the slightly salty foam and sweet coffee underneath creates a sophisticated taste experience that has made salt coffee a must-try specialty.
Salt coffee in Hue surprises first-timers with its subtle saltiness that enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness (Source: Internet)
“Bac xiu” represents the gentler side of Vietnamese coffee culture – a sweet, milky drink that's perfect for those who prefer their coffee mild and creamy. This Southern Vietnamese specialty reverses the traditional coffee-to-milk ratio, using more condensed milk than coffee to create a pale, dessert-like beverage that's especially popular among young Vietnamese and visitors new to local coffee culture.
The name "bac xiu" comes from Cantonese, reflecting the Chinese influence in Southern Vietnam's culinary scene. The drink provides a milder introduction to Vietnamese coffee while still delivering the distinctive flavor of local beans and condensed milk.
It’s often served over ice and sometimes includes additional milk or cream for extra richness, making it an ideal choice for hot afternoons or as an after-meal treat. Most cafes price this sweet indulgence at VND 30,000 - VND 40,000 (USD 1.15 - USD 1.53).
Bac xiu is a sweeter and milkier coffee style that remains a classic in Saigon’s café culture (Source: Internet)
Vietnamese black coffee showcases the pure, unadulterated flavor of the country's renowned Robusta beans in their most honest form. Served strong and hot through the traditional phin filter, this intense brew delivers a bold, slightly bitter taste that reflects the authentic Vietnamese coffee experience without any additions to soften its character.
The preparation ritual is as important as the drink itself – watching the dark coffee slowly drip through the metal filter creates anticipation while the aroma fills the air. Vietnamese black coffee typically uses a darker roast than Western coffee, often with added butter or oil during roasting, which creates a fuller body and more pronounced flavor. This is coffee for serious enthusiasts who want to taste exactly what makes Vietnamese beans special. At just VND 20,000 - VND 30,000 (USD 0.76 - USD 1.15), it's also the most economical way to experience authentic Vietnamese coffee culture.
This drink uses strong Robusta beans brewed with a filter for maximum depth and intensity (Source: Internet)
Yogurt coffee represents one of Vietnam's most surprising coffee innovations – a refreshing combination that transforms tangy yogurt and strong coffee into an unexpectedly delicious drink. This creative fusion typically features layers of sweetened yogurt, condensed milk, and coffee that create both visual appeal and a complex flavor profile that's simultaneously creamy, tangy, and rich. This unique combination typically costs VND 25,000 - VND 35,000 (USD 0.96 - USD 1.35).
The drink emerged from Vietnamese experimentation with dairy products and coffee, discovering that yogurt's acidity actually complements coffee's bitterness while adding probiotics and a lighter texture. Some preparations blend everything together for a smoothie-like consistency, while others maintain distinct layers for a more dramatic presentation. The result is a healthier coffee option that still delivers the indulgent experience Vietnamese coffee lovers expect.
Yogurt coffee in Vietnam combines creamy yogurt with bold coffee for a tangy and refreshing surprise (Source: Internet)
Kopi luwak, known locally as weasel coffee, represents the most exotic and expensive coffee experience in Vietnam. This unique brew uses beans that have been eaten and naturally processed by Asian palm civets (locally called weasels), creating a coffee with reduced bitterness and enhanced smoothness that commands premium prices worldwide.
Vietnam produces some of the world's finest weasel coffee in the mountainous regions where civets naturally inhabit coffee plantations. The animals instinctively select the ripest, highest-quality coffee cherries, and their digestive process removes bitter compounds while leaving the beans intact. The result is an incredibly smooth, complex coffee with earthy undertones and virtually no acidity, though visitors should ensure they're getting authentic wild-sourced beans rather than commercially produced versions. This premium experience comes at a bit higher cost, typically ranging from VND 150,000 to VND 300,000 (USD 5.77 - USD 11.54) per cup.
This rare coffee is made from beans that have passed through the digestive system of civet cats (Source: Internet)
Vietnam is not only known for its coffee culture but also for producing some of the best coffee brands in the region. These brands are recognized for their quality beans, distinct flavors, and innovative roasting techniques.
Trung Nguyen Legend stands as Vietnam's most internationally recognized coffee brand, transforming from a small Buon Ma Thuot startup into a global ambassador for Vietnamese coffee culture. Founded by Dang Le Nguyen Vu in 1996, the company pioneered the concept of specialty Vietnamese coffee blends and introduced innovative products like instant G7 coffee that made Vietnamese coffee accessible worldwide.
What sets Trung Nguyen Legend apart is the brand’s commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics of Vietnamese Robusta beans through carefully crafted blends that range from traditional dark roasts to creatively flavored varieties. Their "Legendee" line represents the premium tier, featuring beans processed using traditional methods combined with modern technology. The company also operates coffee shops nationwide that serve as cultural ambassadors, introducing visitors to authentic Vietnamese coffee preparation methods while maintaining consistent quality standards.
Trung Nguyen Legend offers a deep dive into Vietnam's coffee culture through its signature blends and bold ambiance (Source: Internet)
Chestbrew represents the new generation of Vietnamese coffee culture, focusing on specialty single-origin beans and modern brewing methods while respecting traditional Vietnamese coffee values. This Saigon-based company sources directly from small farmers in Vietnam's highlands, ensuring traceability and fair compensation while delivering exceptional quality that appeals to both local coffee enthusiasts and international visitors.
The brand's philosophy centers on celebrating Vietnamese coffee's natural characteristics without heavy roasting or additives that mask the beans' inherent flavors. Chestbrew offers everything from light roasts that highlight floral notes to traditional dark roasts beloved by Vietnamese coffee drinkers, plus innovative cold brew concentrates perfect for Vietnam's tropical climate. Their cafes serve as educational spaces where visitors can learn about Vietnamese coffee regions, processing methods, and brewing techniques.
Chestbrew brings a bold, American twist to strong Vietnamese coffee for fearless sippers (Source: Internet)
Vinacafe has served Vietnamese families for decades as the country's most trusted everyday coffee brand, offering affordable quality that makes authentic Vietnamese coffee accessible to everyone. Originally established as a state-owned enterprise, Vinacafe became synonymous with reliable coffee that delivers the bold, familiar flavors Vietnamese people expect from their daily brew.
The brand specializes in instant coffee products that maintain the distinctive taste of Vietnamese coffee despite the convenience format, using carefully selected Robusta beans and traditional roasting methods adapted for mass production. Vinacafe's instant options include classic 3-in-1 combinations with condensed milk and sugar, allowing visitors to recreate Vietnamese coffee experiences at home. Their commitment to affordability without sacrificing authenticity has made Vinacafe a staple in Vietnamese households and a popular souvenir choice for travelers.
Vinacafe has become a household name by bottling the taste of Vietnamese instant coffee tradition (Source: Internet)
King Coffee represents luxury Vietnamese coffee, positioning itself as a premium brand that showcases the finest beans Vietnam has to offer through meticulous processing and elegant presentation. Founded with the vision of elevating Vietnamese coffee to international luxury standards, King Coffee sources exclusively from high-altitude regions known for producing exceptional Arabica and premium Robusta beans.
The company's approach emphasizes small-batch roasting and careful attention to every detail of the coffee production process, from selecting perfectly ripe cherries to packaging in distinctive gold and black containers that reflect the brand's premium positioning. King Coffee offers single-origin varieties that highlight specific Vietnamese growing regions, plus signature blends that combine traditional Vietnamese coffee characteristics with international appeal. Their products are particularly popular with visitors seeking high-quality Vietnamese coffee to take home or give as gifts.
King Coffee delivers a bold, full-bodied flavor with deep roasted notes and a lingering, slightly bitter finish typical of Vietnamese robusta beans (Source: Internet)
Highlands Coffee revolutionized Vietnam's cafe culture by introducing the concept of modern coffee shop chains while maintaining authentic Vietnamese coffee traditions. Since opening their first location in 1999, Highlands has created a uniquely Vietnamese interpretation of the global coffee shop experience, serving traditional drinks alongside international favorites in comfortable environments perfect for socializing or working.
The brand's success comes from understanding Vietnamese coffee preferences while adapting to changing lifestyles, offering everything from classic iced milk coffee to modern specialty drinks. Highlands Coffee shops feature air conditioning, free WiFi, and comfortable seating that make them popular gathering places for young Vietnamese and expats. Their retail coffee products allow customers to recreate the Highlands experience at home, featuring blends specifically developed for Vietnamese tastes and brewing methods
Highlands Coffee blends modern vibes with traditional flavors to become Vietnam’s favorite café chain (Source: Internet)
From iconic local drinks to renowned coffee brands, the journey to discover the best coffee in Vietnam is both flavorful and unforgettable. Each cup reflects the country’s rich heritage and passion for coffee. Whether you're a casual sipper or a true enthusiast, Vietnam offers experiences worth savoring. Explore more local food and travel guides to enrich your journey.
For more travel inspiration and helpful planning tools, visit Vietnam Airlines’ Travel Guide to discover your next Vietnamese adventure.
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